Some call them a safe way to smoke without the harmful carcinogens. But towns and cities across the state are already regulating e-cigarettes like tobacco.

Monday, the Town of Canton will vote on whether to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.

Advertisement

In Massachusetts, 78 cities and towns make selling e-cigarettes to minors illegal. Some 43 towns have banned their use in the workplace and most public places.

"We believed that it was just another nicotine delivery program that would circumvent rules about getting cigarettes to kids," said John Ciccotelli, the Canton Public Health Director. "We don't want to then chase them into a nicotine delivery product of which e-cigarettes is one."

If the regulation goes through, Canton would be the first town in the country to ban e-cigarettes. They also will vote to raise the age to buy tobacco to 21.

E-cigarette supporters say the product is a much healthier alternative to smoking.

In Canton, the voices of those against the ban have the attention of town officials, as they get ready for their unprecedented vote.

Ciccotelli says he has received 200 letters against the ban, and zero in support of it.

Statewide, a bill under consideration would tax e-cigarettes at 45 percent.